Rainfall Boosts Soil Moisture but Drought Still a Concern

Jan 29, 2025
By Farms.com

Farmers Hopeful as Moisture Levels Improve in Some Regions

Soil moisture conditions are mixed across Texas, with some regions benefiting from recent rainfall while others remain in extreme drought. Farmers and agricultural experts are closely monitoring moisture levels as they prepare for the planting season.

According to experts, the High Plains received beneficial rainfall that improved soil moisture, filled stock ponds, and supported wheat crops.

However, areas in the western and southwestern parts of the state are still facing dry conditions. The lack of subsoil moisture remains a challenge for many farmers, affecting crop growth and grazing lands.

“Conditions look pretty bleak right now, but I’m hopeful,” said an agricultural expert, noting that timely spring rains could still improve the situation.

Farmers in dry areas continue to rely on supplemental feed for livestock due to poor pasture conditions. While some regions have seen improvements, water levels remain low in aquifer recharge zones, affecting irrigation capacity.

Agricultural experts advise farmers to remain vigilant and monitor weather patterns closely, as timely rainfall will be crucial for the success of summer crops and livestock health.

Video: Winter Canola Trial in Mississippi | Can It Work for Double Cropping? | Pioneer Agronomy

Can winter canola open new opportunities for growers in the Mid-South? In this agronomy update from Noxubee County, Mississippi, Pioneer agronomist Gus Eifling shares an early look at a first-year winter canola trial and what farmers are learning from the field.

Planted in late October on 30-inch rows, the crop is now entering the bloom stage and progressing quickly. In this video, we walk through current field conditions, fertility management, and how timing could make this crop a valuable option for double-cropping soybeans or cotton.

If harvest timing lines up with early May, growers may be able to transition directly into another crop during ideal planting windows. Ongoing field trials will help determine whether canola could become a viable rotational option for the region.

Watch for:

How winter canola is performing in its first season in this Mississippi field

Why growers chose 30-inch rows for this trial

What the crop looks like as it moves from bolting into bloom

Fertility strategy, including nitrogen and sulfur applications

How canola harvest timing could enable double-cropping with soybeans or cotton

Upcoming trials comparing soybeans after canola vs. traditional planting

As more growers look for ways to maximize acres and diversify rotations, experiments like this help determine what new crops might fit into existing systems.